Opinion
This past weekend, Scouse UFC lightweight prospect Paddy ‘The baddy’ Pimblett (20-3-0) secured an extremely controversial win 29-28 times 3 after getting dominated for three rounds in his fifth bout in the coveted UFC octagon.
Since joining the organisation, Paddy has managed to acquire a large fan-base who tune in week in week out to all things social media and most importantly, his fights.
He made waves being the braggadocios, unorthodox, loud, fun and exciting prospect, reminiscent of one Connor McGregor. Similar to McGregor, alongside the loud personality, Paddy employs a humble side, who often displays his vulnerability, especially in times of heartache as he paid his respects to a close friend who committed suicide before his victory against Jordan Leavitt.
Since that viral post-fight interview, Paddy’s stardom has exploded within not only the fight community, but even outside of it. His love from the fans seemed to be unmeasurable.
As a result of his prominent stardom, Pimblett secured a co-main event spot against Jared Gordon in his first UFC PPV appearance.
Where the ‘problem’ with Paddy lies however, is whether this is too much too soon. Disregarding the fact that he has always been loud and braggadocios, Pimblett has took it to a whole new level ahead of UFC282 which has not gone unnoticed by the fans.
“The fame got to Paddy’s head”
During his podcast with UFC president Dana White, many fans were intrigued to see what appeared to be Paddy “brown nosing” White as they both bonded over hating accomplished MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, calling him “rat” or a “piece of shit scumbag”, further claiming Helwani to be “liar” and a “snake”.
Those who follow Helwani closely may know that he comes across of none of those things, sparking riot within the MMA community. Going into fight week, Helwani addressed and exposed the lies on his show causing many fans to go against Pimblett.
Furthermore, during a large majority UFC 282 Embedded episodes, the comment section expressed the fans dislike for Pimblett’s recent actions, implying the Englishman has become unlikeable as he constantly makes remarks saying “I’m everyones favourite fighter”, “I put bums in seats… I sell PPVs”, overall being extremely arrogant.
(Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
During his post-fight interview, when asked about the negative comments suggesting that he lost his fight against Gordon, he simply believes “In the history books there … is a green box with a W.
“Paddy Pimblett is not that guy, you are not that guy [to be acting this way]”, wrote Ariel Helwani referring to McGregor comparisons, implying that Connor would act a certain way but would go on to display stellar performances and capturing two world titles.
Character or not, the sudden rise in his confidence has gone from a healthy confidence to an overwhelming sense of arrogance, so much so you would think he is a champion, or an accomplished veteran.
The lack of resume within the UFC, alongside the “cringe” relationship with boss Dana White has lead to a large majority of comments disliking Pimblett.
The future
After facing his toughest test in Jared Gordon and getting dominated, the future remains uncertain for Paddy pimblett. Talent? He most definitely has it. Potential? Most definitely. However many suggest he should tone it down and really focus in the gym as he displayed many weaknesses in his game on Saturday night.
Despite the exposed holes in his game, in terms of UFC stardom, the sky is the limit for the Souser, however, many fans around the world would love for him to act like what got him to the dance.
At this rate, the future in MMA is high however love from the fans may not be there forever.
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